Group bookings include checked bag, seat assignment and reservation support
CALGARY, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ – Swoop has opened a group booking desk designed to facilitate flight bookings and reservation management for groups of 13 or more travellers. Every group booking will include one checked bag and a standard seat assignment per traveller, along with the support of a group booking agent when making reservation modifications.
A one-time service fee of $5† per traveller applies at the time of booking. Travellers will also have the option to purchase optional extras and/or upgrade their seats through the booking agent. Requests for a group booking quote can be made by emailing the group booking desk at groupbookings@FlySwoop.com, or via the webpage at https://www.flyswoop.com/group-bookings/.
†Plus taxes. Service fee is charged in the applicable currency, provided at the time of booking.
“We’ve been working hard to make distribution enhancements that better serve the needs of our travellers,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “Swoop can now be confidently considered as an attractive option for Travel Agents and individuals alike who are looking for the service and support of a dedicated reservations agent for their group booking.”
The group booking desk enables affordable air travel for groups such as sports teams, family reunions, bulk cruise bookings, school trips, community events and more. Swoop, intent on providing exceptional value through low-cost solutions, intends to further enhance its group booking functionality through automation in the coming months.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Airline inaugurates new route between London, ON and Edmonton, AB
Credit to Alasdair McLellan
CALGARY, April 28, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop celebrates the launch of air service in London, Ontario.
The inaugural flight departs Edmonton International Airport (YEG) at 7:00 a.m. local time and will be welcomed by a water cannon salute upon arrival at London International Airport (YXU) at 12:25 p.m. local time. Travellers at both airports will be invited to take part in a gate celebration that includes refreshments, sweet treats and gifts.
This is the first of three new routes launching in London, with service to Abbotsford, BC (YXX) and Halifax, NS (YHZ) beginning on May 24, 2019.
“The kick-off to our summer schedule and beginning of a very busy inaugural season starts with today’s flight between London, ON and Edmonton, AB,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Over the course of the next two months we will be celebrating the launch of seven new routes and further establishing our place as a top choice for travellers in the Canadian ultra-low cost space.”
“Today’s inaugural flight marks the start of an exciting expansion to our Canadian network with Swoop,” said Michael Seabrook, CEO and President of the London International Airport. “We are now the second focus city in Ontario for Swoop service, and among the first airports in Canada to offer true ultra-low-cost flight options to passengers. We expect these new flights will be popular with travellers, leading to the potential for more destinations from Swoop in the future.”
“We are very pleased to have this connection into Southwestern Ontario with the new daily, non-stop service to London,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “Destinations like London create excellent travel options for Edmontonians travelling to Ontario, while also supporting tourism and business growth in our region.”
Flights are now available for booking through to October 26, 2019.
Details of Swoop’s service from London, ON
Service Between
Service Offered
Weekly Frequency
Air transportation charges (ATC) base fare from
Taxes, fees and charges
Total One- Way Price From*
London, ON and Edmonton
Daily
7 x weekly
$118.59
$40.41$
$159
London, ON and Abbotsford
Daily (starts May 24, 2019)
7 x weekly
$118.59
$40.41
$159
London, ON and Halifax
Daily, except Saturday (starts May 24, 2019)
6 x weekly
$118.59
$40.41
$159
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Aspirations to be a leading digital retailer spurs partnership with Navitaire
CALGARY, April 16, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop announced an Innovation and Experience Centre partnership with Navitaire, an Amadeus company. The airline aspires to become a leading digital retailer in the airline industry and the first company to make air travel a consistently positive experience.
The foundation of the partnership includes a dedicated Navitaire solution-development team to collaboratively ideate and co-create functionality to assist with the retail framework and customer self-service goals that put the consumer in the driver’s seat. The result will be innovations that can then be trialed and refined with Swoop’s operations team.
“If you think of your experience as a traveller, what are your biggest pet peeves?” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Standing in line, a perceived lack of communication, delays, etc. We want to take the hassle of travelling away and fast-track our travellers through the airports. Imagine the world of communication possibilities in the palm of your hand. Delay information, gate changes, pre-purchasing food, rebooking and accommodation options during disruptions, security delay advisories, baggage tracking and everything in between. Our Innovation and Experience Centre will allow us to achieve these aspirations in a disciplined, yet nimble way.”
“We’re excited to bring Navitaire’s vast digital experience and mobile-first mindset to this trailblazing partnership,” said David P. Evans, Navitaire CEO. “Together, the reinvention team will be “thinking beyond” to develop ways to make it easier for customers to do business with Swoop throughout the travel lifecycle. This is a unique opportunity to remove barriers and reimagine the end-to-end traveller experience via digital technology and solutions.”
The benefits of the partnership are limitless. The Innovation and Experience Centre will progress the Navitaire platforms, including its New Skies PSS, in a way that elevates awareness for Swoop while improving the experience for travellers. Additionally, a large focus will be on proactive communications to travellers who are experiencing a disruption to their travel plans, which is a persistent pain point for air travel consumers worldwide.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
An industry leader in innovation, Swoop breaks the mould on the ultra-low-cost model with its Recline-for-a-Dime™ product
CALGARY, April 1, 2019 /CNW/ – Swoop has set a new bar in ultra-low-cost unbundling with the introduction of its Recline-for-a-Dime™ product. The feature, expected to be configured across the fleet by the end of April 2019, allows travellers to insert a dime into the armrest of their seat in exchange for two-inches of 30-minute timed recline. Credit card tap is also enabled for even more convenience.
https://youtu.be/qAa04WkJT2s
Swoop introduces lie-flat seating
The cost to lie completely flat is $0.90, though travellers can fully customize the amount of time and the degree of recline they prefer, in $0.10 increments. When the time is up, the seat gently returns to its upright position. Swoop’s Flatter-than-Flat feature is offered for an additional $0.10, allowing travellers who have purchased the lie-flat option to further stretch their spine.
“Lie-flat luxury seating seems to be all the rage these days,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Our travellers now have the option for a premium experience without breaking the bank. It’s a pivotal moment in the world of ultra-low-cost travel and only the beginning for product innovation at Swoop.”
Staying true to the ultra-low-cost model, Swoop cut the cost of reclining from the fare so travellers are only paying for what they use. Swoop is the only airline in the world to have the patent-pending air-worthy automated seat-recline technology.
“An innovation that truly has your back….”
For years, ULCC’s have been targeted for having cramped, unfriendly seats. Wanting to dispel this stereotype, Swoop conceived Recline-for-a-Dime™ while inadvertently discovering a few added benefits. Studies have shown that reclining at least six inches every 20 minutes on flights over 1.5 hours increases circulation and prevents thrombosis and swelling. Studies have also concluded a relationship between reclining and a reduction in jet lag. All the more reason to recline for a dime.
“It’s about dime! Recline.”
The standard degree of recline on most airlines that offer a premium economy option is eight inches. Market research has shown potential dissatisfaction from those seated behind a seat that is reclined more than this. In these cases, the non-reclining traveller can purchase Swoop’s 5-degrees-of-freedom option, which prevents the seat in front from reclining past the eight-inch satisfaction threshold.
The feedback from the cabin crew has been overwhelmingly positive. With the automated seat technology in place, gone are the days of monitoring that all seats have been returned to their upright position for take-off and landing.
Swoop expects to further develop the offering by introducing dynamic lumbar support, massage, motion-sync to streaming music and discounted recline-credits for the frequent traveller.
To learn more about Swoop’s product innovations, destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Swoop last week announced service expansion at Kelowna, with the offering of Kelowna – Las Vegas route. This route will be operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft, effective 27JUN19.
Operational schedule for this twice weekly flight as follows.
WO826 YLW 14:35 – 17:08 LAS 7S8 47 WO725 LAS 10:55 – 13:40 YLW 738 47
Previously reported, the airline will launch 3 weekly Winnipeg – Kelowna service from 24MAY19. Separately, the airline cancelled its planned offering if 3 weekly Edmonton – Oakland service, previously scheduled from 26MAY19.
Fares and flights are now displayed on popular search engine
CALGARY, March 21, 2019 /CNW/ – Swoop flights are now showcased on the industry’s leading search engine, Google Flights. The addition of the distribution channel promotes the visibility of Swoop flights, which can also be booked direct through its website FlySwoop.com.
“Teaming up with Google Flights is key to sharing our ultra-low-fares with more travellers,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications at Swoop. “All of our flights are non-stop. This, in combination with our fares, is sure to surface Swoop flights as the most attractive option quite regularly in the markets we serve. We’re especially excited about the fare-compare functionality, proving just how affordable we are.”
The agreement is great news for travellers, who can now use an interface they know and love to book Swoop Flights.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CALGARY, March 19, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop announced new service between Kelowna, BC and Las Vegas, NV. The twice weekly service from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to McCarran International Airport (LAS) begins June 27, 2019 through October 26, 2019.
“Las Vegas and Swoop make the perfect combination for Kelowna travellers,” said Karen McIsaac, Senior Advisor of Communications for Swoop. “Our flights are non-stop and remarkably affordable, encouraging the freedom to fly more often while leaving more money to spend on the experience.”
“We are excited to announce a second destination with Swoop,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director for Kelowna International Airport. “We’ve heard from the community that they want more non-stop destinations from Kelowna. We’re pleased to have Swoop offer non-stop service to Las Vegas, which is the Okanagan’s single largest U.S. market for travel.”
“We are excited to welcome Swoop’s non-stop flights between Kelowna and Las Vegas,” said Chris Jones, Chief Marketing Officer for McCarran International Airport. “With this new route, Swoop is making it easier for more Canadians to visit the Entertainment Capital of the World.”
Flights are now available for booking through to October 26, 2019
Service Between
Service starts
Service Offered
Frequency
Kelowna to Las Vegas
June 27, 2019
Thursday & Sunday
2x weekly
Swoop announced its arrival to Kelowna International Airport in January of this year when it introduced flights between Kelowna and Winnipeg three-times-a-week beginning May 24, 2019, as part of its summer schedule.
#OnlyOnSwoop campaign highlights the importance of connecting through affordable travel
CALGARY, Feb. 19, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its family focused #OnlyOnSwoop video and kicked off its associated campaign. The two-minute video features the 21-member Kryk family enjoying a surprise reunion vacation arranged by Swoop, in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
The action follows the Kryk family, who have not all been together since 2010, to many of the top attractions in Las Vegas, while capturing the heart-warming reunion of Hamilton parents, Patricia and Lewis with their extended family.
#OnlyOnSwoop Las Vegas Family Reunion
The campaign demonstrates Swoops values of connecting Canadian travellers through more affordable airfares. Swoop aims to bring families and loved ones together, by enabling them to not only travel, but to travel more often.
“I hear from so many Canadians who could not previously afford to visit their loved ones more than once a year, if at all,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “Swoop is changing that. We’re removing the price barrier, redefining face-time and fostering the human need for connection. We are incredibly proud of this reunion, and the way it brings our values to the foreground.”
“Las Vegas is a destination that can fit any budget and we’re delighted to partner with Swoop to show that getting here is easy and affordable,” said Cathy Tull, chief marketing officer for the LVCVA. “This video helps demonstrate the wide variety of experiences that only Las Vegas can offer and how these shared adventures can create memories that will last a lifetime.”
“Our amazing Las Vegas family reunion was a magical whirlwind of love, laughter and pure joy,” said Julie Kryk, a member of the reunited family. “With the assistance and generosity of Swoop, my family was so lucky to have received this dream trip of a lifetime. We will always cherish the wonderful memories that were made along this incredible, joyous journey!”
The video shows the Kryk family wandering the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, exploring the beautiful desert landscape through Pink Jeep Tours, feeling like a kid at the Circus Circus Adventuredome, witnessing the high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery of Mystére by Cirque du Soleil and feasting at the indulgent Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace.
The #OnlyOnSwoop campaign combines a seat sale and social media campaign where entrants are given a chance to win round trip tickets for up to 6 people, anywhere Swoop flies.
Details of Swoop’s Family Sale:
Service Between
Airtransportationcharges basefare from
Taxes, fees and charges
Number ofseats availableat sale price
Total one-way price from
Edmonton and Orlando
$56.06
$92.94
25
$149 †CAD
Hamilton and Orlando
$11.54
$87.46
100
$99 †CAD
Kelowna and Winnipeg
$43.59
$25.41
100
$69 †CAD
Winnipeg and Kelowna
$33.59
$35.41
100
$69 †CAD
Hamilton and Abbotsford
$55.49
$43.51
200
$99 †CAD
Abbotsford and Hamilton
$87.17
$11.83
200
$99 †CAD
Hamilton and Montego Bay
$27.63
$111.37
50
$139 †CAD
Montego Bay and Hamilton
$42.80
$96.20
50
$139 †CAD
Edmonton and London, ON
$38.11
$40.89
200
$79 †CAD
London, ON and Edmonton
$55.79
$23.21
200
$79 †CAD
†Book by February 21, 2019 (11:59 p.m. MDT) for travel between April 29, 2019 and June 24, 2019. 1350 total seats available. Some blackout dates and restrictions apply. For more details, please visit FlySwoop.com/deals.
Details of Swoop’s Las Vegas service:
Service Between
Weekly Frequency
Total One-Way PriceFrom*
Hamilton and Las Vegas
4x per week
$179 CAD
Edmonton and Las Vegas
Daily
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Las Vegas
3x per week until May 24, 20192x per week from May 25, 2019
$139 CAD
*Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model or to enter the contest visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Swoop travellers amongst the first to experience new arrival and departure terminal
CALGARY, Jan. 24, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop joined the Abbotsford International Airport to celebrate the expansion of the YXX terminal.
The expansion includes two additional gates, an enlarged baggage claim area, extended CATSA pre-board security screening area and a passenger departure lounge that is double the size of the pre-existing lounge. Swoop and YXX will celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony, refreshments and guest speakers.
As an airport that mainly supports low-cost travel, the expansion is a direct result of the growing success of low-cost and ultra-low-cost carriers like Swoop. The Abbotsford International Airport plans to expand further into discount operations in the coming years, which is a welcome strategy for Swoop as it shares the same vision.
“From day one Abbotsford has been an enthusiastic partner for Swoop,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “It’s no surprise that their open-minded approach when working with carriers and their passion for creating a stress free, seamless airport travel experience has led to record breaking passenger volumes and this impressive terminal expansion. We are confident that Abbotsford will continue to deliver valuable enhancements for years to come that mutually benefit its partners, like Swoop, and the people and businesses in the Lower Mainland.”
“YXX is one of Canada’s fastest growing airports, having just completed a $5 million terminal expansion without increasing direct or indirect airline fees,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “YXX is very proud to offer one of the most competitive airport platforms in Canada. We look forward to another record year at YXX with the addition of more domestic and international routes, providing our region with our more travel options. Together, working with Swoop, we are making air travel more accessible for Canadians”.
Swoop currently operates two domestic routes from Abbotsford to/from Edmonton and Hamilton, and three international routes between Las Vegas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. On January 22, 2019 Swoop released its summer schedule which included new daily service from Abbotsford to/from London, ON beginning May 24, 2019 and the extension of the popular Las Vegas service throughout the summer.
Flights are available for booking now through October 26, 2019.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Airline increases weekly flights by 40% and adds its seventh aircraft to the fleet
CALGARY, Jan. 22, 2019 /CNW/ – Today Swoop released its full summer schedule with non-stop flights available for booking from April 28, 2019through October 26, 2019. Along with three new destinations of London ON, Kelowna BC and Oakland CA, the schedule boasts five new domestic markets, two new transborder markets and an extension of two international routes.
The new domestic markets include service between London and Halifax six times per week and daily service from London to/from Abbotsford and Edmonton. Service between Kelowna and Winnipeg will be offered three times a week. The schedule also sees the return of the seasonal route between Abbotsford and Winnipeg four times per week.
Edmonton will enjoy increased transborder capacity with thrice-weekly flights to/from Oakland and a weekly flight to/from Orlando.
Internationally, Swoop will continue its Hamilton service to Montego Bayand Cancun, with a weekly return flight throughout the summer.
Amongst the routes that will end for the summer are Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Tampa Bay, and Abbotsford to Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Edmonton to Mesa will take a short hiatus and suspend service at the end of May before resuming October 5, 2019.
“The summer 2019 schedule focuses on realizing economies of scale,” said Steven Greenway, President of Swoop. “We have created a schedule that leverages our existing network while expanding to a limited number of strategic destinations. Our travellers having been eager for the summer schedule, and we are delighted to have now released the full details.”
Details of Swoop’s summer schedule:
Domestic Markets
WeeklyFrequency
Service Offered
Total One-WayPrice From†
Edmonton and Hamilton
14x
Daily
$139 CAD
Edmonton and Abbotsford
16x
Daily
$59 CAD
Hamilton and Halifax
13x
Daily
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Winnipeg
6x
Daily except Saturday
$89 CAD
Hamilton and Abbotsford
12x
Daily
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Winnipeg
6x
Daily except Saturday
$69 CAD
New Domestic Markets
London and Halifax
6x
Daily except Saturday(starts May 24, 2019)
$139 CAD
London and Abbotsford
7x
Daily(starts May 24, 2019)
$159 CAD
London and Edmonton
7x
Daily(starts April 28, 2019)
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Winnipeg
4x
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri(starts May 24, 2019)
$129 CAD
Kelowna and Winnipeg
3x
Mon, Wed, Fri (starts May 24, 2019)
$119 CAD
Transborder Markets
Edmonton and Mesa
2x
Wed, Sat(ends May 25, 2019 andresumes October 5, 2019)
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Las Vegas
7x
Daily
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Las Vegas
2x
Thu, Sun
$119 CAD
Hamilton and Las Vegas
4x
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun
$159 CAD
Hamilton and Fort Lauderdale
2x
Mon, Fri
$149 CAD
Hamilton and Orlando
3x
Mon, Wed, Sat
$159 CAD
Hamilton and Tampa
3x
Wed, Thu, Sat(ends May 22, 2019)
$119 CAD
New Transborder Markets
Edmonton and Oakland
3x
Tue, Thu, Sun(starts May 26, 2019)
$159 CAD
Edmonton and Orlando
1x
Sat(starts June 1, 2019)
$199 CAD
International Markets
Hamilton and Montego Bay
1x
Sat
$199 CAD
Hamilton and Puerto Vallarta
1x
Sat(ends May 18, 2019)
$139 CAD
Hamilton and Cancun
1x
Sat
$139 CAD
Abbotsford and Puerto Vallarta
2x
Mon, Sat(ends May 20, 2019)
$159 CAD
†Every day low fares. Lower promotional fares may be available during select travel periods.
To learn more about Swoop’s destinations, schedule and ultra-low-cost model visit FlySwoop.com or connect with Swoop on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
Supporting Quotes
Edmonton “Swoop’s growing list of Canadian and US routes from EIA is an investment in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region,” said Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport. “Popular destinations and low fares are creating exceptional travel options while supporting tourism and business growth in our region.”
Kelowna “We are excited to welcome Swoop to YLW,” said Sam Samaddar, Airport Director. “Having an ultra-low-cost-carrier in Kelowna is an incredible opportunity for the community, as it opens up doors to travellers from all over the country.”
London “Today’s announcement is wonderful news for London and our region of Ontario,” said Mike Seabrook, CEO of London International Airport. “We’re focused on being the “Easy and Comfortable” airport and Swoop’s new service is a perfect fit. Our passengers will be able to get to more destinations with direct flights the easy and comfortable way.”
Abbotsford “I’m pleased to congratulate Swoop on their 2019 summer schedule, providing new daily service to London, Ontario from YXX and the extension of international service to Las Vegas twice weekly for the summer season,” said Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun. “This is great news for travellers from across our region and I look forward to seeing Swoop continue to expand their flight options at YXX for our growing city and region.”
Halifax “We’re so pleased to have a new connection between Halifax and southern Ontario,” said Joyce Carter, President and CEO, Halifax International Airport Authority. “The addition of another ultra low-cost route will provide more opportunities for travellers to connect with family and friends across the country and allow us to welcome even more visitors to the East Coast this summer.”
Winnipeg “We are pleased to work with Swoop to add more flights and destinations to meet customer needs at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “Our community continues to grow and benefit with these additions and we’re excited that this summer, travelers will have new options to enjoy all that Winnipeg has to offer.”
Oakland Bryant L. Francis, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland notes, “It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I welcome Swoop and its new service to Oakland International. It is very exciting to begin 2019 with the announcement that OAK’s global roster of destinations will extend to Canada for the first time. We trust that business and leisure travelers in both metropolitan areas will benefit from this new connectivity, and we look forward to growing with our partners at Swoop as they expand further into US and Canadian markets.”
Orlando “Swoop’s decision to expand service from Edmonton to Orlando is one we applaud,” said Phil Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. “Enhancing Canadian service options provides our friends to the north a greater opportunity to enjoy all that Orlando and Central Florida have to offer.”
Hamilton “Swoop’s announcement is another great milestone for the Airport as it expands its year-round program for passengers traveling from Hamilton,” said Cathie Puckering, President & CEO of John C. Munro HamiltonInternational Airport. “The increased frequencies in domestic travel will offer customers more opportunities to explore Canada from coast to coast. In addition, Swoop’s service from Hamilton will continue this summer to several U.S. and international markets such as Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Cancun and Montego Bay and is an exciting development for our customers with summer travel plans to these popular destinations.”
